Boat services at the Yamuna ghats in Mathura resumed on Monday after a 23-day suspension, following an April boat capsize in the Yamuna river that claimed 16 lives. The tragic incident occurred near Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan when a boat carrying 37 pilgrims overturned.
Safety Measures and Registration
The services were restored after the administration and local boatmen reached a consensus on key safety and regulatory measures. These include mandatory use of life jackets, limits on passenger capacity, and revised registration fees.
Strict Enforcement of Norms
According to officials, strict enforcement of life jacket use and carrying capacity norms will now be ensured. A registration camp was also set up by the municipal corporation at Keshi Ghat. The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 500 for non-motorised boats and Rs 1,500 for motorboats. So far, at least 135 boatmen have been registered and issued licences, while around 400 others have purchased application forms.
Government Response
Mathura district magistrate CP Singh said, “Boatmen and their families had expressed concern over the high registration fee, saying they would not be able to afford it. The govt accepted their concerns and reduced the fee to Rs 1,500 for motorboats and Rs 500 for smaller boats. Operations have now resumed in both Mathura and Vrindavan.”
He added that three safety norms will be mandatory: “First, all passengers and boatmen must wear life jackets. Second, passenger limits must be strictly followed, similar to capacity rules in lifts. Third, boats will undergo periodic fitness checks and operators must comply with certification and registration processes.”
